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The Reporter. (Akron, Ohio), 1982-07-31

The Reporter. (Akron, Ohio), 1982-07-31 page 1

Are Teachers Prepared to Teach? ^ I } Continued on page 1 A Th0 Riporfr Group , AKRON-CANTON CLEVELAND KENT -R A VENN A MANSFIELD-SANDUSK Y 1 EL YPIA-LORAIN-OBERUN YOUNGS TO WN- WA RREN NORTHEAST OHIO A Dght In Uke Darkness VOL. XIII NO. H JlJLY )>> IM2 THRU AUGUST 7. 1M2 CENTS PER COPY SBA SUED TO SAVE JOBS TRADE AGREEMENT REACHED Edward W. Frantel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Seven Up Company (left) and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, national President of Operation Push, toast with 7-Up after formally signing a sixty one ($61) million dollar trade agreement between the Seven-Up Company and Operation PUSH. announcement was made in the historic Kmanual Baptist Church in Charleston, S.c. at the annual Push Convention. Charleston, SC, July 17, 1982 ? The Seven-Up Company and Operation PUSH jointly announced today a $61 million business trade agreement which includes a 7UP and Diet 7UP soft drink franchise and a $10 million capital accumulation program for minority enterpreneurs The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, national president of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) and Edward W Frantel, president and chief executive officer of The SevenUp Company, announced the details of the covenant at signing ceremonies today at the Emanuel AME Church, in Charleston, sc at the 11th Annual Convention of Operation PUSH "This covenant is a result of creative, progressive and enlightened attention to the economic realities of black America by corporate America," Rev Jackson said. The five year plan includes a $10 million Guaranteed Capital Accumulation Program that will aid black and other minority entrepreneurs establish soft drink foundation wholesalerships in areas where wholesalers are needed to implement Seven-Up's new Foodservice National Account Program Seven-Up president Frantel, said, "This covenant will have $61 million economic impact on the black community During the past several months we have engaged in a constructive jBnd fruitful dialogue with Rev ^Jackson and his colleagues at Operation PUSH We found that his goals for black America were not inconsistent with the goals of the Seven-Up Company, both in terms of good business practice and in terms of social justice " In addition to the 7UP and Diet 7 UP soft drink franchise and the $10 million Guaranteed Capital Accumulation Program, the covenant includes:? A $2.5 million program with black travel agencies, 45 million annual face amount of group life insurance, and $2.5 million in expenditures with minority vendors ? Expansion of Seven-Up's current relationship with 76 black banks; channeling of $15 million in payroll accounts through black banks ; and 15 per cent of all bank deposits in black banks ? $250,000 in philanthropic contributions, including a tuition scholarship program for black colleges ? $4 35 million investment in black-owned media for advertising ; 15 percent of Seven Up's public relations expenditures to a black firm; all minority advertising placed through minority firms; and, the assignment of a new brand Continued on pag* 2 Black Women Shall Not Be Contained Boston, Mass ? "Now is the time for blacks to look for more allies in .the women's movement, Eddie Williams said at the national meeting of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a 70,000-member black sorority The defeat of the ERA has helped politicize masses of women in all parts of the country, and they have vowed not to get mad but to get even ... They have targeted political figures who are inimical to their interests, and in many cases these are the same individuals who have opposed black advancement every step of the way. Williams, president of the Joint Center for Political Studies, a Washington, D.C., policy analysis institution, called upon blacks to find new allies and to develop new coalitions. "Clearly we must expand our horizons beyond narrowly defined interests We may be hurt first and worst by bad policies, but an awful lot of white people are also threatened For example, blacks may be dispropor tionately affected by cuts in food stamps, but numerically more whites are affected So, too, are farmers and business men, most of whom are white." Because a great proportion of blacks in this ^country - 34 per cent, according to the most recent Census Bureau figures - remain trapped in poverty, a broad range of federal and state policies have unique effects on blacks Social programs are by no means the only examples Because unemployment among black youth is so high, for in stance, the economic incentives of the All Volunteer Force are ?SMCiallv attractive, and todav over 33 per cent oi Army enlisted personnel are black, although blacks make up only 12 per cent of the population as a whole Thus blacks have a particular stake in America's defense policies But many of the programs that impinge on blacks with special force have also become a concern to other groups In areas where these groups come down on the same side as blacks, cooperation can serve the interests of all involved. "This is the time to explore common interests, concerns, and strategies between blacks and women. In this effort, black women must play a pivotal role For a while, black women can afford to by -pass the question of whether they are black first or female first and address a matter of practical politics: What issues unite blacks and women, and how can we turn them to our common political advantage? Let's not talk about what divides us; let's talk about how to achieve common objectives."Williams sees potentially great political clout for the black community. He pointed out that there are 16.4 million blacks eligible to vote; that blacks are the majority population in 15 cities and an increasing proportion in the suburbs . that blacks make up 20 per cent or more of the population in almost 100 congressional districts Our interests are as broad as those of all other Americans, and they include all aspects of national life, including taxation, foreign affairs, national security, and reindustrialization ... Every day we strike heavy blows to escap* the physical shettos to which manv nf us are confined. We must also escape intellectual ghettos." To allow others to confine us to a narrow policy spectrum encourages them to do what they would really like to do, namely ignore us altogether Recycle Plant Bailed Out WASHINGTON, DCCongressman John F. Seiberling ( D_5hio ) announced that the House of and Senate have agreed on a plan to avert default by the City of Akron on bonds for its Recycle Energy System (RES) The provision is part of the Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Bill for FY 82 which was signed by the President over the weekend "I am pleased that the federal government is finally meeting its responsibility in assisting in the development of this innovative recycling and energyproducing plant,'* Seiberling said "The RES. hailed by the federal EPA as a prototype plant from which the entire nation can learn, was in line earlier for federal funds from other sources which were never made available by the Administration even though Congress had appropriated those funds Under this ap propriation provision, written specifically for the Akron RES plant, funds will be available to the City and must be used by October l, 1982 " Seiberling explained that the City was facing a host of potential problems which would result from a default, including a budgetary cash crunch; RES user rate increases which might have turned many current RES customers to other energy sources , a further strain on the City's debt Capacity which could delay many capital projects throughout the City, such as street paving; and a probable toss of the City's bond rating. CUtng them for responding to the RES financing crisis, Seiberling said, "the House of Senate Chairman of the HUDIndependent Agencies Subcommittees of the Appropriations Committees. Congressman Edward Boland and Senator Jake Garn, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Jamie Whitten are to be commended for accpeting this legislative solution which will benefit the City, its employees and residents, and assure a future for the RES " WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Federal District Court has been asked to stop abrupt moves by the Reagan Administration that would destroy 23 minorityowned buisnesses and put their 7,000 employees out of work Lawyers filed suit on July 16th seeking to turn around "improper and abrupt moves by the Small Business Administration that would wipe out minority business gians of the last decade," a spokesman for the Task Force to Save Minority Business said. Named in the suit was SBA Administrator Sanders The five named plaintiffs and other minority owned businesses who African Spirit is Alive 'Technological advance is often confused as culture," said His Excellency Moses thonde, Consul General of Nigeria, based in Atlanta, at a seminar held Tuesday, July 6, at Tuskegee Institute. Ihonde was the keynote speaker for the Tuskegee Institute - Alabama State University - Miles College International Consortium, held to familiarize the public-atlarge with various social, cultural, and economic aspects of Nigeria and other African countries. Ihonde told a packed audience that though colonizers made attempts to destroy the African culture, they were unable to destroy the African spirit. Africa, he explained, has always made cultural accommodations, willfully accepted strangers, and in turn "was 'exploited." The Consul General was joined by Kulbright Scholars Dr. Isaac Olu Makinde (University of Tennessee); Dr. Adolphus Turkson (University of Oregon); and Dr. Emmanuel Ayandele (Howard UniversityUniversity of Maryland). Emphasizing the needs of the contemporary Nigerian child, Makinde first pointed out that it is only after the basic necessities of food and shelter are supplied that the educational and psychological needs of children can be addressed He also stated that certain aspects of the Nigerian educational structure cannot supply student needs. At present there are only 13 universities to serve a country of more than 70 million people Dr. Turkson. who is also director of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, focused on The Consul General Uionde ? Performing Arts of West Africa: Past and Present. Stressing the varied use of the performing arts in Africa, Turkson saxj that "not all African music\is designed for drama or dance." In addition to teaching at various American universities, he has taught in his native Ghana & in Germany. Dr. Ayandele received the BS degree in History from the University of Tbaban In 1964, he earned his Ph.D. degree in African History from Kings College at the University of London. Speaking on the missionary impact on Nigeria. Ayandele labeled Christianity as "the most expensive religion in terms of men." He went on to describe the Nigerian reaction to Christianity in phases of mesmerization, comprehen sion, and absorption. FIGHTER PILOT GRADUATE Second LI. l-amar Washington prepares to enter a T-37 Jet Trainer at Columbus Air Force Base In Columbus, Mississippi Second Lieutenant Lamar Washington recently graduated from Pilot Training in the U.S. Air Force. Lamar is the son of Rev Henry L Washington and Mrs Azlea Washington of Mansfield. Ohio I^imar was the only black in the 82 07 class of 58 graduates at the Columbua Air Force Base in Columbus, Mississippi An 1975 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. I^amar graduated with a US degree from Ohio University in Athens Ohio in 1981. Lamar is married to Angela Rene Washington The Washing tons have one year old twin daughters. Alecia and I/enora Washington Lamar will be assigned the U S Air Force Squadron in Upper Heyford, England He will fly the Fill U S Air Force fighter plane High Blood Pressure Is Serious Business provide essential goods and services to the Federal Government seek to rescind SBA's June 17th memorandum which stops them from receiving new Federal contracts some 18 months to two years earlier than the already announced plan The lawyers contend that SBA is wrongfully denying them necessary vital assistance without giving them a hearing "This effectively denies them basic due process' rights under the Small Business Administratfon Act," the spokesman said. The minority-owned businesses affected by the Reagan Administration's abrupt move are located in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Among the states are': New York, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, California, and North Carolina. The Reagan Administration ordered the minority-owned businesses removed from SBA's 8(a) Program some 18 months to two years ahead of their announced schedule to leave the Program. The moves was based on a General Accounting Office recommendation that SBA dismiss 8(a) companies having contracts with value in excess of SBA's definition of small business "The Reagan Administration simply caved in to the demands of big business, the arch enemy of the 8(a) Program which enabled the economically and socially disadvantaged to get a few Federal contracts," according to Mr. Lester B. Buckner, Founding Director of the Task Force to Save Minority Business. Minorities expect a drastic drop in their being awarded contracts to provide goods and services to the Federal Government during the Fiscal Year "The difficult economic times mean that non-minority businesses will really put squeeze on minorities, even for the few crumbs we had been getting," Buckner said During fiscal year 1980, minority-owned businesses received less than two percent of Federal contracts. Minorities expect this percentage to fall below one percent by the end of FY82 The Federal District Court is expected to take up the case filed by Lawrence R. Sidman, Esq., of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Kampelman before the end of the month. MISS BLACK AMERICA Located on Florida's balmy Gulf coast amidst palm trees and cool breeus, slU the city of Tampa A bustling metropolis at the end of the 1-4 Surf-Space coast to Sun coast corridor, famous in years gone by for its splendid cigars and of late, as the home of professional football's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and soccer's Tampa Bay Rowdies. Now Florida's Queen city of the Gulf adds another jewel to her crown, this time a young black woman in the form of Phyllis L. Tucker, Miss Black America 1982-83 Not just another chocolatehued beauty, but an energetic, well mannered, intelligent and articulate young lady. Phyllis projects a serious and positive Phyllis L. Tucker attitude that's overwhelmingly contagious to those who came in contact with her. "I told my friends before I left to go to the pageant," she says, "You're looking at Miss Black America now, because I'm going to win that title and bring it back home." A beautiful smile, of an accomplished goal broadens her face. Always a firm believer in working hard for success. Phyllis mixes religious and self belief into achieving her goals "Believe in God first," she says, "then believe in yourself With the Almighty and yourself working together you can do what you want to do; be what you want to be; have what you want to have. If you believe that it's possible then you can succeed," adds Phyllis optimisticallyGraduating from an integrated public school system, when Phyllis decided to go to college she chose predominantly black BethuneCookman College "My mother told me the history of the school and after hearing it I felt that I belonged at B-CC," she said "Its history was so inspiring I just had to go there I'm talking about a black woman (Mary McLeod Bethune), with five little black girls and no promises for tomorrow, it was just too inspiring for n>< not to enroll there " Adamant about the survival of black colleges. Phyllis says, "I think all black colleges should survive They give us an opportunity to learn a lot about the history of our people They give us a chance to learn to work together and build togetherness," Now armed with a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts and the Miss Black America title, Phyllis plans to act as a Goodwill Ambassador for 26 50 million black Americans

Are Teachers Prepared to Teach? ^ I } Continued on page 1 A Th0 Riporfr Group , AKRON-CANTON CLEVELAND KENT -R A VENN A MANSFIELD-SANDUSK Y 1 EL YPIA-LORAIN-OBERUN YOUNGS TO WN- WA RREN NORTHEAST OHIO A Dght In Uke Darkness VOL. XIII NO. H JlJLY )>> IM2 THRU AUGUST 7. 1M2 CENTS PER COPY SBA SUED TO SAVE JOBS TRADE AGREEMENT REACHED Edward W. Frantel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Seven Up Company (left) and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, national President of Operation Push, toast with 7-Up after formally signing a sixty one ($61) million dollar trade agreement between the Seven-Up Company and Operation PUSH. announcement was made in the historic Kmanual Baptist Church in Charleston, S.c. at the annual Push Convention. Charleston, SC, July 17, 1982 ? The Seven-Up Company and Operation PUSH jointly announced today a $61 million business trade agreement which includes a 7UP and Diet 7UP soft drink franchise and a $10 million capital accumulation program for minority enterpreneurs The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, national president of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) and Edward W Frantel, president and chief executive officer of The SevenUp Company, announced the details of the covenant at signing ceremonies today at the Emanuel AME Church, in Charleston, sc at the 11th Annual Convention of Operation PUSH "This covenant is a result of creative, progressive and enlightened attention to the economic realities of black America by corporate America," Rev Jackson said. The five year plan includes a $10 million Guaranteed Capital Accumulation Program that will aid black and other minority entrepreneurs establish soft drink foundation wholesalerships in areas where wholesalers are needed to implement Seven-Up's new Foodservice National Account Program Seven-Up president Frantel, said, "This covenant will have $61 million economic impact on the black community During the past several months we have engaged in a constructive jBnd fruitful dialogue with Rev ^Jackson and his colleagues at Operation PUSH We found that his goals for black America were not inconsistent with the goals of the Seven-Up Company, both in terms of good business practice and in terms of social justice " In addition to the 7UP and Diet 7 UP soft drink franchise and the $10 million Guaranteed Capital Accumulation Program, the covenant includes:? A $2.5 million program with black travel agencies, 45 million annual face amount of group life insurance, and $2.5 million in expenditures with minority vendors ? Expansion of Seven-Up's current relationship with 76 black banks; channeling of $15 million in payroll accounts through black banks ; and 15 per cent of all bank deposits in black banks ? $250,000 in philanthropic contributions, including a tuition scholarship program for black colleges ? $4 35 million investment in black-owned media for advertising ; 15 percent of Seven Up's public relations expenditures to a black firm; all minority advertising placed through minority firms; and, the assignment of a new brand Continued on pag* 2 Black Women Shall Not Be Contained Boston, Mass ? "Now is the time for blacks to look for more allies in .the women's movement, Eddie Williams said at the national meeting of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a 70,000-member black sorority The defeat of the ERA has helped politicize masses of women in all parts of the country, and they have vowed not to get mad but to get even ... They have targeted political figures who are inimical to their interests, and in many cases these are the same individuals who have opposed black advancement every step of the way. Williams, president of the Joint Center for Political Studies, a Washington, D.C., policy analysis institution, called upon blacks to find new allies and to develop new coalitions. "Clearly we must expand our horizons beyond narrowly defined interests We may be hurt first and worst by bad policies, but an awful lot of white people are also threatened For example, blacks may be dispropor tionately affected by cuts in food stamps, but numerically more whites are affected So, too, are farmers and business men, most of whom are white." Because a great proportion of blacks in this ^country - 34 per cent, according to the most recent Census Bureau figures - remain trapped in poverty, a broad range of federal and state policies have unique effects on blacks Social programs are by no means the only examples Because unemployment among black youth is so high, for in stance, the economic incentives of the All Volunteer Force are ?SMCiallv attractive, and todav over 33 per cent oi Army enlisted personnel are black, although blacks make up only 12 per cent of the population as a whole Thus blacks have a particular stake in America's defense policies But many of the programs that impinge on blacks with special force have also become a concern to other groups In areas where these groups come down on the same side as blacks, cooperation can serve the interests of all involved. "This is the time to explore common interests, concerns, and strategies between blacks and women. In this effort, black women must play a pivotal role For a while, black women can afford to by -pass the question of whether they are black first or female first and address a matter of practical politics: What issues unite blacks and women, and how can we turn them to our common political advantage? Let's not talk about what divides us; let's talk about how to achieve common objectives."Williams sees potentially great political clout for the black community. He pointed out that there are 16.4 million blacks eligible to vote; that blacks are the majority population in 15 cities and an increasing proportion in the suburbs . that blacks make up 20 per cent or more of the population in almost 100 congressional districts Our interests are as broad as those of all other Americans, and they include all aspects of national life, including taxation, foreign affairs, national security, and reindustrialization ... Every day we strike heavy blows to escap* the physical shettos to which manv nf us are confined. We must also escape intellectual ghettos." To allow others to confine us to a narrow policy spectrum encourages them to do what they would really like to do, namely ignore us altogether Recycle Plant Bailed Out WASHINGTON, DCCongressman John F. Seiberling ( D_5hio ) announced that the House of and Senate have agreed on a plan to avert default by the City of Akron on bonds for its Recycle Energy System (RES) The provision is part of the Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Bill for FY 82 which was signed by the President over the weekend "I am pleased that the federal government is finally meeting its responsibility in assisting in the development of this innovative recycling and energyproducing plant,'* Seiberling said "The RES. hailed by the federal EPA as a prototype plant from which the entire nation can learn, was in line earlier for federal funds from other sources which were never made available by the Administration even though Congress had appropriated those funds Under this ap propriation provision, written specifically for the Akron RES plant, funds will be available to the City and must be used by October l, 1982 " Seiberling explained that the City was facing a host of potential problems which would result from a default, including a budgetary cash crunch; RES user rate increases which might have turned many current RES customers to other energy sources , a further strain on the City's debt Capacity which could delay many capital projects throughout the City, such as street paving; and a probable toss of the City's bond rating. CUtng them for responding to the RES financing crisis, Seiberling said, "the House of Senate Chairman of the HUDIndependent Agencies Subcommittees of the Appropriations Committees. Congressman Edward Boland and Senator Jake Garn, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Jamie Whitten are to be commended for accpeting this legislative solution which will benefit the City, its employees and residents, and assure a future for the RES " WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Federal District Court has been asked to stop abrupt moves by the Reagan Administration that would destroy 23 minorityowned buisnesses and put their 7,000 employees out of work Lawyers filed suit on July 16th seeking to turn around "improper and abrupt moves by the Small Business Administration that would wipe out minority business gians of the last decade," a spokesman for the Task Force to Save Minority Business said. Named in the suit was SBA Administrator Sanders The five named plaintiffs and other minority owned businesses who African Spirit is Alive 'Technological advance is often confused as culture," said His Excellency Moses thonde, Consul General of Nigeria, based in Atlanta, at a seminar held Tuesday, July 6, at Tuskegee Institute. Ihonde was the keynote speaker for the Tuskegee Institute - Alabama State University - Miles College International Consortium, held to familiarize the public-atlarge with various social, cultural, and economic aspects of Nigeria and other African countries. Ihonde told a packed audience that though colonizers made attempts to destroy the African culture, they were unable to destroy the African spirit. Africa, he explained, has always made cultural accommodations, willfully accepted strangers, and in turn "was 'exploited." The Consul General was joined by Kulbright Scholars Dr. Isaac Olu Makinde (University of Tennessee); Dr. Adolphus Turkson (University of Oregon); and Dr. Emmanuel Ayandele (Howard UniversityUniversity of Maryland). Emphasizing the needs of the contemporary Nigerian child, Makinde first pointed out that it is only after the basic necessities of food and shelter are supplied that the educational and psychological needs of children can be addressed He also stated that certain aspects of the Nigerian educational structure cannot supply student needs. At present there are only 13 universities to serve a country of more than 70 million people Dr. Turkson. who is also director of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, focused on The Consul General Uionde ? Performing Arts of West Africa: Past and Present. Stressing the varied use of the performing arts in Africa, Turkson saxj that "not all African music\is designed for drama or dance." In addition to teaching at various American universities, he has taught in his native Ghana & in Germany. Dr. Ayandele received the BS degree in History from the University of Tbaban In 1964, he earned his Ph.D. degree in African History from Kings College at the University of London. Speaking on the missionary impact on Nigeria. Ayandele labeled Christianity as "the most expensive religion in terms of men." He went on to describe the Nigerian reaction to Christianity in phases of mesmerization, comprehen sion, and absorption. FIGHTER PILOT GRADUATE Second LI. l-amar Washington prepares to enter a T-37 Jet Trainer at Columbus Air Force Base In Columbus, Mississippi Second Lieutenant Lamar Washington recently graduated from Pilot Training in the U.S. Air Force. Lamar is the son of Rev Henry L Washington and Mrs Azlea Washington of Mansfield. Ohio I^imar was the only black in the 82 07 class of 58 graduates at the Columbua Air Force Base in Columbus, Mississippi An 1975 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. I^amar graduated with a US degree from Ohio University in Athens Ohio in 1981. Lamar is married to Angela Rene Washington The Washing tons have one year old twin daughters. Alecia and I/enora Washington Lamar will be assigned the U S Air Force Squadron in Upper Heyford, England He will fly the Fill U S Air Force fighter plane High Blood Pressure Is Serious Business provide essential goods and services to the Federal Government seek to rescind SBA's June 17th memorandum which stops them from receiving new Federal contracts some 18 months to two years earlier than the already announced plan The lawyers contend that SBA is wrongfully denying them necessary vital assistance without giving them a hearing "This effectively denies them basic due process' rights under the Small Business Administratfon Act," the spokesman said. The minority-owned businesses affected by the Reagan Administration's abrupt move are located in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Among the states are': New York, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, California, and North Carolina. The Reagan Administration ordered the minority-owned businesses removed from SBA's 8(a) Program some 18 months to two years ahead of their announced schedule to leave the Program. The moves was based on a General Accounting Office recommendation that SBA dismiss 8(a) companies having contracts with value in excess of SBA's definition of small business "The Reagan Administration simply caved in to the demands of big business, the arch enemy of the 8(a) Program which enabled the economically and socially disadvantaged to get a few Federal contracts," according to Mr. Lester B. Buckner, Founding Director of the Task Force to Save Minority Business. Minorities expect a drastic drop in their being awarded contracts to provide goods and services to the Federal Government during the Fiscal Year "The difficult economic times mean that non-minority businesses will really put squeeze on minorities, even for the few crumbs we had been getting," Buckner said During fiscal year 1980, minority-owned businesses received less than two percent of Federal contracts. Minorities expect this percentage to fall below one percent by the end of FY82 The Federal District Court is expected to take up the case filed by Lawrence R. Sidman, Esq., of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Kampelman before the end of the month. MISS BLACK AMERICA Located on Florida's balmy Gulf coast amidst palm trees and cool breeus, slU the city of Tampa A bustling metropolis at the end of the 1-4 Surf-Space coast to Sun coast corridor, famous in years gone by for its splendid cigars and of late, as the home of professional football's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and soccer's Tampa Bay Rowdies. Now Florida's Queen city of the Gulf adds another jewel to her crown, this time a young black woman in the form of Phyllis L. Tucker, Miss Black America 1982-83 Not just another chocolatehued beauty, but an energetic, well mannered, intelligent and articulate young lady. Phyllis projects a serious and positive Phyllis L. Tucker attitude that's overwhelmingly contagious to those who came in contact with her. "I told my friends before I left to go to the pageant," she says, "You're looking at Miss Black America now, because I'm going to win that title and bring it back home." A beautiful smile, of an accomplished goal broadens her face. Always a firm believer in working hard for success. Phyllis mixes religious and self belief into achieving her goals "Believe in God first," she says, "then believe in yourself With the Almighty and yourself working together you can do what you want to do; be what you want to be; have what you want to have. If you believe that it's possible then you can succeed," adds Phyllis optimisticallyGraduating from an integrated public school system, when Phyllis decided to go to college she chose predominantly black BethuneCookman College "My mother told me the history of the school and after hearing it I felt that I belonged at B-CC," she said "Its history was so inspiring I just had to go there I'm talking about a black woman (Mary McLeod Bethune), with five little black girls and no promises for tomorrow, it was just too inspiring for n>< not to enroll there " Adamant about the survival of black colleges. Phyllis says, "I think all black colleges should survive They give us an opportunity to learn a lot about the history of our people They give us a chance to learn to work together and build togetherness," Now armed with a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts and the Miss Black America title, Phyllis plans to act as a Goodwill Ambassador for 26 50 million black Americans